Description
Harvard Square Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
July 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Via Zoom Webinar
https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/87628198789
Application materials and general information about the Harvard Square Advisory Committee can be found on the following webpage: https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms/harvardadvcomm.
For more information, please contact Mason Wells, Associate Zoning Planner with the Cambridge Community Development Department, at 617-349-9794 or mwells@cambridgema.gov.
Project Review and Discussion
BZA Formula Business Special Permit Application – 5 JFK Street (SoBol)
The Applicant is proposing a formula business quick service food establishment in an approximately 776 square foot retail space on the ground floor of 5 JFK Street (the Abbot building) in Harvard Square. SoBol is a fast casual restaurant selling smoothie bowls. The Applicant is expected to take over the space occupied by Tiger Sugar, a bubble tea and boba store. Fast Order/Quick-Service Food Establishments in the Harvard Square Overlay District require a special permit from the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) if they are considered a Formula Business. SoBol is a nationwide franchise chain with approximately 68 locations that qualifies as a Formula Business. In considering applications for Special Permits for Fast Order or Quick-Service Food Establishments, the BZA shall find that in addition to other criteria specified in Zoning Section 10.40, that the requirements of Section 11.31(a)-(g) are also met. HSAC will review the application and prepare a recommendation to be submitted to the BZA.
General Business
Committee Appointment Process Update
August 12, 2024 is the deadline for applications to serve on the Harvard Square Advisory Committee. Full details are available online at: https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/News/2024/7/harvardsquareadvisorycommitteevacancies
Committee Member UpdatesHold for members of HSAC to share relevant information about Harvard Square.
Adjourn
PLEASE NOTE: This meeting will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023 adopted by the Massachusetts General Court and approved by the Governor. Members of the public can attend the meeting virtually through Zoom Webinar. Members of the public can also provide comments in writing or via email before the meeting. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats as soon as possible by contacting the staff listed above.
To join the Zoom webinar, click the following link: https: https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/87628198789. Check your e-mail (including spam/junk folder) for confirmation. If you do not have a computer or e-mail address, you may attend via phone by dialing +1 646 931 3860
The webinar ID is: 876 2819 8789